Most apps don't just call one API endpoint. They call a whole chain of them. For example, you might log in, get a token, and then pass that token to another service.
Tracking these multi-step chains can get messy quickly. To help fix this, the OpenAPI Initiative created the Arazzo Specification. It gives us a standard way to link different endpoints into clear workflows.
But writing these workflow files by hand in a regular text editor is tough. It is very easy to lose track of how data moves from one step to the next.
That is why I built Arazzo Visualizer for VS Code. It is a free, open-source extension that makes the Arazzo spec visual and easy to use.
Live Interactive Graphs
The extension reads your workflow files and turns them into interactive maps on the fly.
- See Data Flow: Look at exactly how data moves between steps.
- Catch Errors Early: Spot broken paths before you even run your code.
- Clean Layouts: Navigate large workflows without getting lost in thousands of lines of text.
Built-In Workflow Runner
Seeing the map is great, but testing it is even better. The tool has a step-by-step runner built right into your editor.
- Run a single step or execute the whole chain.
- See real-time data payloads and HTTP headers.
- Watch requests happen live to pinpoint bugs fast.
Give it a Try
The project is fully open source, and you can grab it or check out the code using the links below:
- Download: Install it directly from the VS Code Marketplace.
- Source Code: Check out the repository, report bugs, or contribute on GitHub.
- Deep Dive: Read my full technical breakdown and design on Medium.
If you are working with API chains, I would love for you to try it out. Drop your feedback in the comments below!
Note: Arazzo v1.1.0 is out with official AsyncAPI support. I am currently updating the VS Code extension to support these new features. Stay tuned for future updates!